Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/tag/watertown-food/)
Some of the South of the Border dishes being served at Plazita Mexico Tacos. As 2025 begins, Watertown has seen one restaurant close, while an addition has been made to the eating scene. Restaurant Says ‘Bye Bye’
Olespana Whiskey & Tapas Bar on Mt. Auburn Street announced that it will be closing. The restaurant that served Spanish food, pizza and other dishes had opened in the former Mount Auburn Grill space in 2023.
Steak and frites is on the menu at Medium Rare, which opened at Arsenal Yards. (Courtesy of Medium Rare)
Arsenal Yards welcomes a new restaurant specializing in steak frites. See details in the announcement below. Medium Rare, the original sizzling single-choice Steak Frites prix fixe meal experience from Washington, D.C., is now “steaking” its claim in the greater Boston area. The new location at 107 Bond Sq.
A Watertown eatery has reopened after months of repairs, while another nearby restaurant run by Watertown residents will be closing. Armenian Restaurant Reopening After Van Struck It
Jana Grill in Watertown has reopened after repairing damage to the restaurant at 2 Watertown St. after a vehicle struck the building in July. The Armenian restaurant announced it has reopened on Dec. 2 on social media.
The group seeking to bring a food co-operative to the Watertown area will host its second annual meeting on Nov. 21. Members and potential members may attend. See details below. The Charles River Food Co-op is pleased to announce its second Annual Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM.
If you missed Berry Mari and Belle at the Watertown Farmers Market, you can buy Hanna Opdahl’s jams and preserves at a pop-up and she will also be collecting items for the Watertown Food Pantry with donors being entered into a drawing for jam and spices. See details below. Berry Mari and Belle will be having a jam pop-up at Curio Spice Co., 2265 Mass. Ave., in Cambridge on Saturday, Nov. 23 (12-4 p.m.), and will be collecting donations for the Watertown Food Pantry.
Hanna Opdahl sells her homemade jams and preserves at the Watertown Farmers Market, at other markets, and online. (Contributed Photo)
Jams and jellies run in the family. Or at least, they do for Hanna Opdahl, Watertown resident and owner of Berry Mari and Belle.
What began as a hobby shared by Hanna and her mother, Marianne, is now a small business that crafts and sells small batch novelty jams, jellies, and marmalades.
“I grew up jamming, canning, and gardening with my parents and I loved it,” said Hanna. “My mom is an incredible cook and is always coming up with fun experimental recipes and flavors.”
Originally from Oregon, Hanna relocated to Watertown a little over three years ago after accepting a job offer in Boston. “It was a little bit of a scary jump, but I was very excited to come out here.
Manakeesh, a flatbread with za’atar and cheese on top, served at Anoush’ella Cafe in Watertown. (Photo by Maya Shwayder)
Tucked inside the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) in Watertown, the café Anoush’ella — a name that translates to “may it be sweet” in Armenian — has quickly become a beloved weekly fixture, serving more than just food. Run by Nina Festekjian and her husband Rafi, alongside community center manager Vatche Seraderian, this gem of a spot blends culinary delights with cultural pride, providing a space for the Armenian community to gather, share stories, and reconnect with their heritage through shared space and food. Though the café only opens its doors just once a week on Thursday, it’s already establishing itself as a key part of the community’s rhythm. The story of Anoush’ella started as a personal passion project for Nina and Rafi.
Belle’s Burgers announces it will take over the Wild Willy’s location in Watertown. (Photo from Belle’s Burgers’ Facebook page)
A favorite spot for burgers in Watertown will continue to be a burger joint, but will have a new brand. Wild Willy’s has become Belle’s Burgers and Ice Cream. Belle’s promoted the change on its Facebook page (formerly the Wild Willy’s Watertown page) saying that they will have “Same Great Food, Same Great Staff.” The Wild Willy’s website has a message saying that the restaurant at 46 Arsenal Street is no longer affiliated with Wild Willy’s.